MLB The Show 25: Ultimate Team-Building Guide to Dominating the Diamond
Building a dominant team in MLB The Show 25 Stubs is more challenging than ever. With new gameplay mechanics, power adjustments, and attribute balancing, assembling an elite squad requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. Whether you're competing online in Diamond Dynasty or grinding through offline modes like Road to the Show, understanding the latest meta is crucial.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the most effective strategies for constructing a powerhouse team, covering:
The Power vs. Contact Hitting Meta
Choosing the Right Players for Your Playstyle
Fielding and Positional Adjustments
Optimizing Your Lineup and Bench
Pitching: Key Attributes and Pitch Selection
By the end of this guide, you'll have the knowledge to build a squad capable of crushing home runs, locking down defensively, and shutting out opponents on the mound.
- Understanding Power vs. Contact Balance in MLB The Show 25
One of the biggest gameplay shifts in MLB The Show 25 is how Power and Contact ratings affect hitting outcomes. Many players have noticed an increase in lineouts and flyouts—this is directly tied to the power-contact disparity.
How Power and Contact Work in MLB 25
High Contact, Low Power Hitters (e.g., Luis Arraez)
Tend to hit more line drives but lack home run potential.
More likely to line out against high-velocity pitchers.
High Power, Low Contact Hitters (e.g., Rhys Hoskins, Kyle Schwarber)
Generate higher exit velocities, leading to more home runs.
Even weak contact can result in deep fly balls or bloop hits.
Balanced Hitters (e.g., Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.)
Offer versatility but may not dominate in either category.
Team-Building Tip:
If you're playing online (where pitch speeds are faster), prioritize power-heavy hitters. The exit velocity advantage makes them more consistent threats, whereas contact hitters struggle to drive the ball against elite pitching.
- Choosing the Right Players for Your Playstyle
Before assembling your roster, ask yourself: Are you playing mostly online or offline?
Online Play (Competitive Modes – Ranked Seasons, Battle Royale)
Power hitters dominate due to higher exit velocities.
Contact penalties are more severe, making low-contact sluggers riskier.
Example Players:
Kyle Schwarber (LF/1B) – Elite power, but low contact.
Pete Alonso (1B) – Crushes fastballs but struggles against breaking balls.
Oneil Cruz (SS) – Rare power-speed combo at shortstop.
Offline Play (Franchise, Road to the Show, Conquest)
Contact hitters perform better since pitch speeds are slower.
Vision and contact ratings matter less on lower difficulties.
Example Players:
Luis Arraez (2B/1B) – High contact, ideal for single-player modes.
Steven Kwan (OF) – Great for slapping singles and stealing bases.
Joe Mauer (C) – A contact-focused catcher with high discipline.
Archetype Breakdown:
Type Strengths Weaknesses Best For
Power Hitter Home runs, XBH Low contact, high K% Online play
Contact Hitter High BA, fewer strikeouts Limited power Offline play
Balanced Versatile Not elite in either Any mode
- Fielding and Positional Adjustments
MLB The Show 25 introduces stricter secondary position restrictions, meaning some players can no longer play out of position without severe penalties.
Key Fielding Takeaways:
Catchers First Basemen – Avoid playing them at other positions (e.g., no more 1B at 3B).
Shortstops – Can usually play 2B or 3B with minimal penalties.
Outfielders – Reaction rating matters more than ever—slow outfielders will miss diving plays.
Best Defensive Positions for Each Spot:
Position Key Attribute Top Defender Example
SS Arm Strength Francisco Lindor
CF Reaction/Speed Byron Buxton
C Blocking JT Realmuto
3B Arm Accuracy Nolan Arenado
Pro Tip: If a player has "Secondary Position" listed, they’ll perform better there than if forced into an unfamiliar spot.
- Optimizing Your Lineup and Bench
A well-constructed lineup keeps opponents guessing and counters bullpen matchups.
Lineup Construction Tips:
Alternate left-handed and right-handed hitters to avoid being exploited by specialist relievers.
Place your best power hitters in the 2-4 spots for maximum RBI opportunities.
Speedsters at the top (1 or 9) help generate runs with steals and hit-and-runs.
Bench Strategy:
Since secondary positions are limited, your bench should include:
Power Pinch Hitter (e.g., Matt Olson vs. RHP)
Contact Specialist (e.g., Luis Arraez vs. LHP)
Defensive Sub (e.g., Kevin Kiermaier for late-game outfield defense)
Speedster (e.g., Esteury Ruiz for pinch-running)
- Pitching: What Attributes Matter Most?
Pitching is the backbone of any elite team. The three most important attributes are:
Attribute Effect
H/9 Reduces opponent batting average (weak contact).
K/9 Increases swings and misses (better strikeout potential).
BB/9 Improves control, reduces wild pitches.
Best Pitch Types in MLB The Show 25
Sinker Cutter – Unhittable when located well.
Changeup – Destroys timing, especially against opposite-handed hitters.
Slider/Sweeper – Forces bad swings when thrown outside the zone.
Bullpen Management
Ideal Setup: 3 lefties, 5 righties.
Stamina Matters: Once a pitcher’s energy drops below 50%, their control suffers.
Top Pitchers in MLB 25:
Starter Best Pitch Archetype
Spencer Strider Fastball/Slider Power Strikeout
Corbin Burnes Cutter Control Artist
Gerrit Cole Four-Seam Velocity King
Final Thoughts: Building Your Ultimate Team
To dominate in MLB The Show 25, follow these key principles:
Prioritize power hitters for online play.
Balance contact and defense for offline modes.
Avoid playing players out of position.
Optimize your lineup with L/R alternation.
Focus on H/9, K/9, and BB/9 for pitchers.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll create a team capable of competing at the highest level. And if you want to speed up the process, consider buying MLB The Show from MMOEXP to acquire top-tier players faster.
Now, step onto the diamond and start building your championship squad
